Gratin

A gratin is a dish that's typically prepared by baking a food, often a vegetable or a casserole, in a shallow dish and topped with a browned crust. This crust is usually achieved by using breadcrumbs, cheese, eggs, or butter. The word "gratin" itself refers to the browned top layer, which develops as the dish bakes. Gratins can range from simple side dishes to more elaborate main courses, and are a popular method of utilizing leftovers or combining various ingredients for a comforting and flavorful meal. They are characterized by their creamy interior and golden, crispy exterior.

Gratin meaning with examples

• The chef prepared a classic potato gratin, thinly slicing the potatoes and layering them with cream, garlic, and Gruyère cheese before baking them to perfection. The creamy interior and the bubbly cheese made it the perfect side dish to a roasted chicken. The golden crust of the potato gratin was absolutely irresistible.
• For a vegetarian option, the restaurant featured a cauliflower gratin. The cauliflower florets were tossed in a béchamel sauce, topped with breadcrumbs and parmesan, and baked until the surface was golden brown and the cauliflower was tender. It was served with a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
• My grandmother always made a scalloped zucchini gratin with fresh zucchini, onions, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping. This recipe was a summer staple, often enjoyed with a side of crusty bread and a chilled glass of lemonade. The gratin was always gone quickly as everyone loved the slightly sweet zucchini.
• A hearty mushroom gratin, featuring a mix of wild mushrooms in a creamy sauce and a topping of grated Swiss cheese, was served at the bistro. The gratin's rich flavor and satisfying texture was incredibly satisfying on a chilly evening. It was paired with a glass of red wine, enhancing the earthiness.
• After Thanksgiving, a leftover turkey and stuffing gratin emerged as a creative and delicious way to use the leftovers. Mixed with gravy and topped with crispy fried onions, it was a quick and convenient, but delicious meal that was perfect for cold, fall weather. It truly brought the holiday to my table.